For an accessible view from your porch, look no further than your existing home security system. Common devices like video doorbells and home security cameras have settings you can use to thrill trick-or-treaters while keeping you safe — and even dedicated settings specifically for Halloween.
Check out how our experts change your home security systems below to prepare for Halloween night, reduce false alarms, and even win cash prizes.
Set your video doorbells to maximum scare
Nest doorbells make it easy to change themes and activate a Halloween theme throughout the month of October.
Video doorbells have two settings suitable for Halloween updates, chimes, and quick responses. Both are designed to respond when someone (or something) rings the doorbell, so it's a perfect way to prepare your porch for guests.
To get started, you'll have to find the Ringer or Quick Reply options in your settings. Systems may vary in how you enable Halloween tricks, so look to your personal security system for more information. To help, here's a quick rundown of popular brands:
- Ring: Choose your doorbell, select Smart Repliesand call Quick responses. Use the Quick Reply Message feature to find quick Halloween-themed answers and choose one like a Dracula or Witch greeting.
- Vivint: Starting October 16th, use the Vivint app to set both Doorbell bells and Approach bells, the last of which rings early as trick-or-treaters approach the front door. Doorbell effects include Spooky Laugh, How at the Moon, Creepy Bells and several other options. Approaching chimes include extras like a spooky Welcome theme, Haunted Forest, In the Dark, and more. Select the Halloween bells banner in the app when the service is available.
- Euphy: Keep your app updated and view the Voice response playlist during Halloween to add effects like a ghostly greeting.
- Google Nest: Visit the doorbell Settingsto choose Doorbellthen Doorbell Themethen choose the Halloween theme. Nest used to offer specific ringtone options, but now it only offers a general Halloween ringtone.
Keep in mind that these features typically require a video doorbell, not just a standard security camera.
Capture a ghost on your Ring camera for a chance to win $100,000
Ring's ghost search is for artists, pranksters and very silly people.
Ring has a new strategy for this year's Halloween festivities, and it could yield some serious prizes if you want to play along. The game is called Great Ghost Search, and to play you need to capture a “ghost” on your Ring camera or doorbell, then share the video clip with Ring and the Ring community for a chance to win.
Ring will consider all types of videos for the contest, from creating a realistic and truly scary glimpse into the paranormal world to an absolutely hilarious video of your dad in a bedsheet. Videos must be 30 seconds or less, and you'll want to act quickly because Ring is closing the contest as soon as it receives 5,000 authentic entries or reaches November 1st. The grand prize is US$100,000 in cash. (Ring suggests using it as an entryway to a house, which is woefully unreasonable.)
Move a Security Camera to Your Porch and Test Two-Way Audio
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro on a Porch.
If you don't have a video doorbell or any cameras on your porch, we suggest you take one of your home security cameras and temporarily place it on your door so it can keep an eye on things.
It's not just about security: Today's wireless security cameras have two-way audio and motion detection so you know when people arrive and can use the audio feature to imitate a creepy greeting, like “Want to play a game?” or “We all float here!” Get creative and practice your favorite voice!
Adhesive mounts make relocating a security camera easy, but you can also simply remove the camera from the mount and place it on your porch railing or steps at night. And if you happen to hide it in the shadows or bushes so that a frightening voice can emanate from the darkness… well, we won't stop you.
Less sensitivity to doorbell movement for trick-or-treaters
The Blink app is easy to use and packed with quick settings adjustments.
This is the perfect time to dive into your doorbell and camera's motion detection settings and turn down the sensitivity. Ideally, you want your sensors to trigger when trick-or-treaters approach your door, but not trigger for every group of kids running down the sidewalk.
Experiment with sensitivity and motion settings a day or two before Halloween so your system is ready. Along the way, you can figure out how to keep your camera from being triggered at every dog walker or delivery guy who passes by, too!
Add a Halloween Faceplate to Your Doorbell
The ring is especially generous with Halloween style bezels, you can also find them in other brands.
To really get into the Halloween spirit, you can update some doorbells with a new panel to celebrate the season. Ring is especially good at providing users with these options, with $15 Halloween dishes You can switch as needed, but you can find DIY options available on Etsy as well. Just make sure to match the front panel to the video doorbell model you have.
Set up a smart display for constant viewing of your cameras
Use the live view settings to see when people are approaching on Halloween.
Motion alerts can help, but if you really want to give visitors an experience (or a healthy scare), you'll want to stay alert with a smart display like an Echo Show. When connected to your security cameras or video doorbells with compatible apps, these smart displays can show live views while parties are outside, so you can glance around to get an idea of when people are approaching from your home – and the best time to jump on them.
Make sure your doorbell or camera works with your smart display for this trick. Some doorbells, like the Ring or Blink models, will only work with Alexa displays like Echo Shows. If you don't have a smart display, you can use a tablet connected to the Alexa or Google Home app to achieve the same result. Additionally, some cameras may have limits on how long you can view the live views, but many are unlimited as long as you keep the live view active.
read more: Best Smart Displays of 2024
Disarm your security system for the big night
ADT touchpad showing arming options.
If you have your security system on automatic programming, it's a good idea to give it a break for Halloween night, or at least until the candy runs out. Either way, you'll be monitoring your doors closely and don't want an armed security system to unexpectedly emit sirens or lights and scare trick-or-treaters (or yourself).
Disarm your system early in the day to prepare for younger visitors and reset it before going to bed or in the morning. Don't worry, you can still keep watching with smart cameras and motion detection to detect tricks instead of treats.
Complete your home security preparation with our top tips on how to deter burglars, the worst places to place a security camera, and the top security myths homeowners should stop believing.
